Jim Hill drops Oregon Treasurer candidacy

Former Oregon Treasurer Jim Hill has dropped his candidacy for his old
job. The Democrat had filed for the job shortly before the 5 p.m.
Tuesday deadline, but withdrew from the race on Thursday.

The seat came open when state Treasurer Ben Westlund died Sunday of
lung cancer. Gov. Ted Kulongoski on Tuesday appointed Multnomah County
Chairman Ted Wheeler to the treasurer's seat.

That appointment lasts through early January. The remaining two years
of Westlund's term will be filled by the winner of November's
election. Wheeler has filed for the seat, as has state Sen. Rick
Metsger, D-Welches, and state Sen. Chris Telfer, R-Bend.